Washington DC-Day 1

We made it! The kids were excited to set out on our first day to see the sights! We had a FULL day starting with a tour of the Capitol Building, then on to see the Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and ending at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The kids had fun looking at all that there is to see and learn about, but a highlight was playing catch and running around on the lawn in front of the Washington Monument. What a neat experience to run around and play with such neat sights in view.

This was our view when we walked out of our apartment. I did zoom in a little, but you get the idea. The location was great.

Starting our Capitol tour. I hate to say this, but our guide was terrible. Poor kid. He was new to doing this, didn't really know what to do, and his voice was barely above a whisper. We actually lost people from our group along the way because he was that bad. The funny part was that Eric started talking and filling in on parts of the tour, since Eric used to do Capitol tours (when he was an intern). We had one couple tell us that Eric just needed to "take over" so that they could learn something!  

These two chairs (in the back) were original to the Old Supreme Court Chamber

Personally, I thought the architecture was the most interesting thing. So beautiful!

This is painting on the dome of the rotunda is called the "Apotheosis of Washington". It depicts George Washington "sitting exalted among the heavens". 

This is the Old Senate Chamber

Part of what took so long on our tour was waiting in this line. Our group had a chance to sit in the House Gallery (upper level) since we booked a tour through our Congressman. The line did move somewhat quickly but it was suuuuuper long and seemed to go on and on. No cameras allowed past this point. 

Rainbow!

There were some cherry blossom trees in bloom! Off to eat at Good Stuff Eatery (great burgers!), and then on to some more sights.

On to the Washington Monument

Getting some of that energy out after standing in line-ha!

"I'll race you!"

I think someone might be trying to cheat, here.

Hilarious picture

We could get a view of the White House from the lawn 

Lincoln Memorial in the distance

The boys playing catch on the lawn was a highlight! It was a beautiful day-chilly but clear skies and sun.

This was cool-I spotted the moon!

More running around

This is the WWII Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

Last stop for the day-Vietnam Veterans Memorial

A diamond next to a person's name indicates that their death was confirmed (a body was found). The plus symbol indicates that a person remains missing and unaccounted for.

The reflective quality of the wall is really neat.

Off to District Taco for dinner (yummy!) and home to rest some tired legs...